Posted!

Join the Conversation

Ishizaki: Calvo must be a leader, make budget cuts

Frank Ishizaki, For PDN
Published 1:18 p.m. ChT Feb. 27, 2018

CLOSE

Gov. Eddie Calvo personally makes his case Friday before the Legislature's special session to take up his bill increasing business privilege tax by 50 percent to address the projected budget shortfall resulting from the federal tax reform law.
Haidee Eugenio/PDN

Did you hear about the fireworks at the Legislature last week? The governor created a very contentious atmosphere when he directed GovGuam employees to show up en masse to intimidate the Legislature. He even demanded the resignation of senators if he does not get his way.

Wow! Did he forget that we have three separate, but equal, branches of government? Shouldn’t elected leaders display respect for differing opinions? Has the governor forgotten that he represents all of the people of our island, not just GovGuam employees?

The private sector has learned how to tighten its belt when times are tough. From time to time, employers have to implement cost-cutting measures. This is the real world.

Cooler heads must prevail

In a banana republic, the Legislature would have been sent to the gallows. Fortunately, the legislature went to recess for a cooling-off period. Cooler heads must prevail. Serious thinking with less emotion is necessary. Upon passage of the Trump tax reform, GovGuam leaders knew that individual and corporate income taxes would decrease.

Belligerent and tyrannical behavior is not acceptable. Please behave like an adult and leader rather than a spoiled child. We expect critical thinking and positive results. It is time to act like a statesman. It’s time to earn your pay. It’s time to deliver for all Guam!

Thank you

We especially appreciate the educational leaders, the Judiciary and the speaker for designing a different spending strategy. They seem to better understand the changing revenue forecasts and are taking active steps to adjust spending. They are comporting themselves intelligently and realistically. Thank you.

The superintendent of education has identified $19.6 million in spending cuts. The Speaker is willing to reduce $1 million in legislative spending and the Judiciary identified $3.7 million in cuts.

He wants his cake

The governor claims that there is no fat to cut and yet touted a $17 million surplus. Perhaps he meant that there is no fat he is willing to cut. He wants to have his cake and eat it too.

The governor’s proposal reminds me of a high-pressure telemarketing sales pitch which insists on closing the deal now because the world is going to end. Please, let’s think before we commit.

Blessing in disguise

The current fiscal crisis might be a blessing in disguise. Is there good news on the horizon? The Marines are coming and $990 million in defense contract bids have been announced, with more awards coming. These projects will generate additional revenue, directly and indirectly.

Let’s demand responsible leadership and spending. The administration must reduce the cost of GovGuam. Please tighten the belt. Patiently wait for new revenues that will grow out of the trump tax reform and military construction. These will generate greater business privilege taxes and other taxes.

The old tiresome refrain of give us more money has to stop. Let’s please demonstrate maturity, civility and patience.

I welcome your comments.

Frank Ishizaki is a retired FBI special agent, and a former chief of police, Homeland Security adviser, director of corrections, senator, cop and CSI. He can be contacted at PDN.FIReport@gmail.com.